Puebla round cancelled in wake of Mexican floods

The second meeting on the 2010 WTCC schedule at Puebla has been officially cancelled due to the heavy floods that have killed more than 40 in Mexico - but Zandvoort may yet take its place.

The second meeting on the 2010 FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) calendar at Puebla in Mexico has been officially cancelled in the wake of the heavy floods and mudslides that have struck the country and tragically claimed more than 40 lives to-date.

It had been strongly rumoured in recent days that due to safety concerns, the race weekend - scheduled for 9-11 April - would likely have to be called off, and now the governing body has confirmed that, regrettably, such must be the case.

'The FIA, in agreement with promoter KSO, has decided to cancel the second event in the 2010 FIA World Touring Car Championship, scheduled to take place in Puebla, Mexico,' a statement read.

'The FIA's decision is based on security reports from the region, and follows close consultation and guidance from OMDAI, the Mexican National Sporting Authority.'

Erik Weijzers, the boss of the Circuit Park Zandvoort in Holland - a venue that last welcomed the WTCC three years ago - has stated that although at such short notice it would be 'an almost impossible task' for the Dutch track to step into the breach and take Puebla's place in four weeks' time, provided satisfactory financial terms could be reached with KSO, it would be wise to 'never say never'. Where there's a will, after all...